Georges Prêtre

Born on August 14, 1924, in Waziers, Georges Prêtre emerged as a French conductor renowned for his deep affinity with French repertoire. His training took place at the Paris Conservatory under Maurice Duruflé and other leading musical authorities. After completing his studies he performed under the assumed name Georges Dherain, leading productions at several modest opera houses across France. His first major engagement occurred in 1961 at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, after which he appeared during the 1960s at both the Metropolitan Opera in New York and La Scala in Milan. Prêtre collaborated directly with Maria Callas and later directed the music for two Franco Zeffirelli films in the 1980s. He returned to the podium for the Vienna New Year's concert in 2008.